According to SportsDirectNews, Manchester United are in "advanced negotiations" with Benfica for the transfer of center-back Ezequiel Garay.

The Red Devils are expected to complete the signing of the Argentine, for a reported sum of £17million, in the next couple of days, although Garay's former club Real Madrid will pocket half of the fee.

Rio Ferdinand might have signed a contract extension, but he is entering the twilight days of his career, while Nemanja Vidic has struggled with fitness issues over the past two seasons.

This still leaves David Moyes with plenty of options in the form Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, but the Scot is adamant to purchase an experienced and proven defender.

Garay has reignited his career at Benfica after a torrid time with Real Madrid. He might lack in the pace department, but his positional awareness tends to make up for this deficit, while his tackling attributes are also impressive. Garay is comfortable in possession and can calmly build up attacks from the deep.

The 26-year-old's arrival might stagnant the growth of either Jones or Smalling but United will have a much more composed backline. During the first half of last season, the Red Devils' defense was a laughing stock and Moyes looks keen to strengthen this department.